Speaking ahead of India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled from October 27-31, Sonowal said India was committed to building a resilient, sustainable and future-ready maritime ecosystem, unlocking vast avenues for international collaboration.
With India entering a new chapter in its maritime journey, the global community must prepare to engage with the significant investment opportunities now emerging, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), has said.
“With transformative initiatives such as Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, our ports, shipping and logistics ecosystem is becoming more resilient, sustainable and future-ready,” Sonowal said at the Ambassadors’ Roundtable Meet held in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Speaking ahead of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled from October 27-31 in Mumbai, Sonowal emphasised that India was striving to build a maritime ecosystem that is resilient, sustainable and future-ready, opening vast avenues for international collaboration.
“These opportunities open up a $1 trillion maritime investment roadmap, with strong potential for joint ventures in developing ports and cargo terminal operations, multi-modal terminals, maritime services, shipbuilding, ship recycling and ship repairs, green hydrogen hubs, and sustainable shipping solutions,” he added.
Also addressing the session, Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State, MoPSW, called for greater private sector involvement, highlighting reforms in port modernisation, inland waterways expansion, and green and digital shipping.
“As the world realises this potential, India has seen remarkable momentum in maritime investments and partnerships. Global players are joining hands with Indian counterparts in shipbuilding, port modernisation, smart logistics, and green shipping. Technology is at the heart of this progress; AI-driven logistics, digital port operations, and automation are making our ports more efficient and globally competitive.”
Strategic Maritime Focus
A presentation by R Laxmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, showcased opportunities in mega projects such as Vadhavan Port, Galathea Bay Transshipment Port and Tuna Tekra Terminal, alongside investments in green hydrogen hubs, LNG bunkering, shipbuilding, ship recycling and maritime industrial parks.
The deliberations focused on India’s core maritime priorities, including strengthening shipbuilding capacity and port-led development to position the country as a global maritime hub. Delegates also highlighted the scope of the blue economy, stressing sustainable growth and livelihoods through the responsible use of ocean resources.
Discussions emphasised the role of digitalisation in maritime logistics to improve efficiency and transparency, along with the need to accelerate the transition to green shipping through hydrogen-powered and low-emission vessels. The role of IFSC-GIFT City in Gandhinagar was underlined as a key enabler for attracting global investment and fostering innovation in maritime financing.
The envoys unanimously welcomed the government’s reforms, including five new legislations—the Bills of Lading Act, Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, Merchant Shipping Act, Coastal Shipping Act and the Indian Ports Act—which replace colonial-era laws and align India’s maritime framework with global best practices.
“IMW 2025 will be a platform where ideas can translate into projects, and commitments into partnerships. India stands ready to collaborate and lead towards a maritime future that is prosperous, sustainable and inclusive,” Sonowal added.
The outcomes of the roundtable will be integrated into IMW 2025, ensuring the biennial flagship event reflects global stakeholder priorities. IMW is a biennial platform that brings together policymakers, investors and thought leaders to shape the future of Indian ports and logistics.